Celtic two good for the Blues amid ugly scenes at Windsor

Missile-throwing yobs mar historic Linfield match with Celtic at Windsor Park

LINFIELD’S historic UEFA Champions League match against Scottish champions Celtic was marred by missile-throwing yobs at Windsor Park last night.

The Hoops silenced the hometeam crowd with two first-half goals.

But many found their voices as Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths was yellow-carded in the second half for picking up a bottle thrown from a section of the home support.

Referee Alejandro Jose Hernandez stunned fans as he cautioned the Hoops forward for time-wasting and appeared unimpressed as Griffiths showed him the Buckfast bottle which had been launched in his direction.

Despite Celtic refusing their ticket allocation over safety concerns, many Hoops fans made their way to Windsor Park to show their support for Brendan Rodgers’ men.

Others though opted to watch the teams go head-to-head in the dedicated Celtic fanzone at The Devenish in West Belfast where a big screen had been erected for the game. Police reported the majority of fans behaved well at Windsor Park but a minority let Linfield down by pelting Griffiths with objects, including coins and bottles, as he was taking corners.

Linfield’s chairman Roy Mcgivern stepped in at one point and addressed the crowd himself, apparently fearing a possible UEFA sanction.

And PSNI riot squad officers were called on the final whistle when further missiles were thrown and one Linfield fan ran on to the pitch.

By 8.30pm police had made just one arrest, that of a 25-year-old man for disorderly behaviour.

PSNI Superintendent Norman Haslett paid tribute to the majority of fans who supported their teams at Windsor without incident.

He said: “I would like to pay tribute to and thank the vast majority of fans from both football clubs who behaved impeccably and enjoyed the football match in Belfast between Linfield and Celtic this afternoon.

“Unfortunately, there were a small number of incidents which police and other relevant authorities will be reviewing in the days to come.

“I would like to thank everyone who worked together to ensure fans were able to enjoy the football safely.”

SHAMEFUL Bottle thrown at Leigh Griffiths, left, and he ties scarf on post after game

BLUE ANGER Security staff try to calm down supporters TARGETED Leigh Griffiths with bottle thrown at him GESTURE Griffiths ties scarf to Linfield post PREPARED Police in riot gear at end of the game WARNING Police dog shows its teeth to supporters...